Quantitative X-ray microanalysis of semi-thick cryosections

Analysis of biologically-derived small particles--searching for geometry correction factors using Monte Carlo simulation

A Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine geometry correction factors that increase accuracy of quantitative X-ray microanalysis of laterally semithick biological materials. A model composed of cellulose with homogeneously distributed biological elements and lateral dimensions between 0.5-25 μm was chosen. The specimen was exposed to 5, 10, and 15 keV electrons, the net intensities of characteristic X-rays registered for the elements, and presented as a function of the lateral dimensions of the model. This showed the double decay exponential function fitted the distribution of X-ray intensities in relation to the model size. The applicability of the function as a correction method was successfully tested for 30 specimens with varying composition and dimensions. The value of relative error decreased from ±60% to ±5% when the correction was applied. Moreover, the minimal lateral size of the material was defined, below which the correction is not required. The simulation also revealed that the difference of the weighted sum of Z²/A between the unknown and the standard could reach 25% without significant influence on the quantitative results. The correction method could be helpful for accurate assessment of elemental composition in biological or organic matrices, when their lateral dimensions are smaller than the distribution range.

Effects of dorsal root transection on morphology and chemical composition of degenerating nerve fibers and reactive astrocytes in the dorsal funiculus

The morphology and chemical (elemental) composition of the dorsal funiculus of the rat spinal cord were examined 1 and 7 days after unilateral transection (rhizotomy) of the L4 and L5 dorsal roots, using light and electron microscopy as well as X-ray microanalysis. Changes were observed only in the dorsal funiculus on the side of injury and included disintegration of the axonal cytoskeleton, enlargement of axonal mitochondria, and widening of the myelin lamellae of the injured axons. X-ray microanalysis demonstrated a significant increase in intraaxonal sodium at 1 day after injury. This increase was abolished at 7 days, but at this stage there was a significant lowering of potassium in axons and myelin sheaths and of phosphorus in myelin as well as a marked increase in calcium in the axoplasm of the degenerating axons. The nonneuronal cell compartment, largely composed of astrocytes, showed elevated sodium, chlorine, and calcium and lowered potassium levels. The changes in chemical composition paralleled an increase in immunoreactivity for the calcium-binding Mts1 (S100A4) protein, which is exclusively expressed by white matter astrocytes. The influx of calcium is likely to play a crucial role in the loss of axonal integrity after rhizotomy, while the alterations in potassium, and perhaps also phosphorus, may contribute to activation of the nonneuronal cells, including the up-regulation of Mts1 expression in astrocytes.

Dry gas hyperpnea changes airway reactivity and ion content of rabbit tracheal wall

Dry air hyperventilation provokes airway narrowing in asthmatics. The mechanism is thought to involve the release of inflammatory mediators in response to airway osmolarity. The response to inhaled histamine on lung mechanics and the ion content of the airway subepithelial connective tissue after dry gas hyperventilation was investigated in rabbits. Resistance increased more after histamine given after hyperventilation with dry gas compared to humid gas (P < 0.05). Compliance decreased after histamine for both dry and humid gas hyperventilation. The Na, Cl and K content was decreased in the tissue at 4 min (P < 0.001) and nearly returned to resting content at 8 min of hyperventilation with dry gas. The results suggest that dehydration occurred and was followed by oedema formation in the tracheal wall. Thus, the effects of inhaled histamine on airway resistance was amplified. The mechanism involved may be part of the normal defence of the airway to protect against desiccation during hyperventilation with dry air. This response may be exaggerated in asthmatics.

Effects of progesterone and oxytocin on intracellular elemental composition of term human myometrium in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of progesterone and oxytocin on contractile activity related to the intracellular elemental composition of human pregnant myometrium.

STUDY DESIGN

Myometrial strips were mounted in tissue baths and superfused with plain buffer, oxytocin or progesterone. Progesterone was initially added to the tissue bath or at the onset of spontaneous contraction of the strips. The myometrial contractile activities were recorded isometrically and the results were analyzed by a specific computer program. The effects of oxytocin and progesterone on the intracellular elemental composition were studied by X-ray microanalysis in an electron microscope.

RESULTS

The contractile activity in terms of frequency and tonus of the muscle strips was increased by oxytocin and progesterone. This increase was more pronounced if progesterone was added to the bath at the start of the experiment. After 120 min of incubation with oxytocin and progesterone the total intracellular concentration of calcium was significantly higher (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.002, respectively) compared to buffer.

CONCLUSIONS

(i) Oxytocin increases total intracellular calcium concentration concomitant with an increase in uterine contractile activity. (ii) Progesterone increases the myometrial tone and frequency of contractions, simultaneously with an increase in total intracellular calcium.

Biochemical and morphological characterization of carbon tetrachloride-induced lung fibrosis in rats

The short-term and long-term lung CCl4 injuries in rats were studied by i.p. CCl4 for 2 or 5 weeks, respectively, and the lung injury in the third progression group receiving i.p. CCl4 for 2 weeks followed by 3 weeks without. Acute haemorrhagic interstitial pneumonia resulted from short-term injury; chronic interstitial pneumonia from long term injury, and residua of injury or advanced chronic interstitial pneumonia in the progression group. All groups also exhibited features for diffuse alveolar damage. Connective tissue stains revealed both interstitial and intra-alveolar fibrosis in short-term injury. Hydroxyproline content and the activities of prolyl hydroxylase and galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosultransferase were elevated. This suggests an early onset of pulmonary fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the interstitial accumulation of BM proteins. In contrast, increased type III pN-collagen could also be found in the intra-alveolar spaces. The degrees of both interstitial and intra-alveolar fibrosis, BM proteins and type III pN-collagen, and also hydroxyproline content were greater in long-term injury, while the progression group showed on average fewer fibrotic changes than did the long-term injury group, but more than the short-term injury pointing to persistence or progression of the changes. Additionally, intra-alveolar crystallized haemoglobin was found following short-term injury. We conclude that CCl4-induced lung injury is an useful experimental model to study pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanism of CCl4 lung injury is not known but free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation is suggested.

Elemental composition of muscle at rest and potassium levels in muscle, plasma and sweat of horses exercising at 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C

In this study, 4 Standardbred geldings were exercised at 20 and 35 degrees C. The exercise test (ET) consisted of 2 exercise bouts separated by 2 h of rest in their boxes. Blood samples were taken before, during and after the second exercise bout and muscle (m. gluteus medius) biopsies were taken before the first exercise bout and after an intensive trot over 2600 m in the second exercise bout. The blood samples were analysed for plasma potassium and total plasma protein concentration (TPP) and the muscle fibres were analysed for elemental composition by x-ray microanalysis. The intracellular content was as follows: sodium (Na) = 40 +/- 7; magnesium (Mg) = 32 +/- 4; phosphorus (P) = 282 +/- 15; sulphur (S) = 222 +/- 13; chloride (Cl) = 119 +/- 31; potassium (K) = 304 +/- 21 and calcium (Ca) = 8 +/- 2 mmol/kg dry weight under resting conditions. Intracellular potassium content increased after exercise compared to resting values. There was a good correlation between exercise intensity, plasma potassium concentration and shifts in plasma volume, indicated by alterations in TPP. This probably reflects the very fast shift of potassium and fluid between muscle and plasma. Plasma potassium concentrations decreased below resting values post exercise. The higher dehydration degree and potassium sweat loss after exercise at 35 degrees C was not reflected in lower muscular potassium content, but by a lower plasma potassium/total plasma protein ratio after exercise, indicating less circulating potassium.

X-ray microanalysis of elemental changes in human parathyroid glands in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism

The elemental composition of chief cells of parathyroid glands from patients with adenomatous primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and uremic secondary HPT was studied by X-ray microanalysis. Glands histologically deemed normal were used as controls. The analyses were also carried out on tissue specimens incubated in hypo-, normo- and hypercalcemic media (0.5, 1.25, and 3.0 mM calcium concentration). Analysis of chief cells from normal glands did not reveal any significant differences in ionic composition after exposure to the different calcium concentrations. In chief cells from adenomatous and uremic hyperplastic glands, elemental changes were noted. In comparison with specimens incubated in 1.25 mM calcium medium, cells in 0.5 mM calcium medium had a lower content of potassium and phosphorus. After stimulation with increasing extracellular concentration, an increase in the K/Na ratio was observed, due to a marked decrease of sodium and an increase of potassium; the calcium concentration was almost unchanged. Our findings indicate that in HPT an increase in serum calcium concentration might exert a stimulatory effect on the Na/K pump (sodium pump) and on the calcium-activated potassium channels. Either of these mechanisms might contribute to a lowering of cytoplasmic calcium. Our observations suggest that changes in ionic content of the parathyroid cells may be of importance for the stimulus secretion process in the cells.

Use of post mortem and in vitro tissue specimens for X-ray microanalysis

Post mortem changes in the distribution of elements, as well as changes induced by dissection and incubation of tissue slices, were investigated by X-ray microanalysis of brain tissue, liver, pancreas and submandibular gland. Dissection itself causes minor changes in the intracellular ionic concentrations, but even a brief exposure of dissected tissue slices to a physiological buffer causes an increase in intracellular Na and Cl and a decrease in intracellular K concentration. The effect is most marked in brain tissue and least marked in submandibular gland slices. Incubation in fluid resembling the extracellular compartment in its ion composition results in a further increase of Na and Cl in brain tissue (cortex and hippocampus) and liver; in pancreas and submandibular gland, on the other hand, a stable situation throughout 2 h of incubation can be obtained. Incubation at lower temperature, and exchanging NaCl in the incubation medium for Na gluconate, has only relatively minor effects on the intracellular K/Na ratio. Exchanging the NaCl for K gluconate results in a high intracellular K/Na ratio throughout the incubation, but morphological evidence of tissue oedema was nevertheless observed. Physiological changes in intracellular ion content induced by cholinergic stimulation are similar in in vitro preparations as compared with stimulation in situ. The effect of dissection and brief incubation on the ionic composition of brain tissue is less pronounced 6 h after death than in a living, anaesthetized animal, but this is largely due to the post mortem changes that already have taken place.

Concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chlorine in the muscle cells of downer cows and cows with parturient paresis

The concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine, in the skeletal muscle fibres of cows with parturient paresis, downer cows, normally calving cows and unmated heifers were determined by means of an X-ray microanalysis technique. The most consistent finding was an increase in the concentration of chlorine in the muscle samples from the downer cows. There were no other significant differences between the concentrations of these elements in samples from the different groups of cows, but the calcium concentration was higher in the muscle samples collected one month after parturition than in the samples collected close to parturition.

Effect of delay in cryofixation on the elemental composition of biopsies and post mortem specimens of the thyroid gland

The time between the excision and cryofixation of a biopsy is most important regarding its elemental composition as demonstrated by an investigation of the thyroid glands of rats and pigs. Biopsies taken and cryofixed immediately served as control specimens. Biopsies that were allowed to stand at room temperature for 20 min before cryofixation and specimens cryofixed at 1 h post mortem were also investigated. Significant changes in the ion concentration of the cells and colloid were apparent in biopsies in which cryofixation was delayed for 20 min and in thyroids cryofixed 1 h post mortem. It was demonstrated that redistribution of electrolytes occurs within 1h post mortem and that similar changes occur in biopsies allowed to stand for 20 min at room temperature before cryofixation. The results stress the importance of immediate cryofixation after surgical excision of a biopsy. This is especially important since numerous elemental changes due to delayed cryofixation resemble those which occur in pathological processes.

Standards for quantification of elements in the otolithic membrane by electron probe X-ray microanalysis: calibration curves and electron beam sensitivity

An absolute quantitative standardization technique has been developed to measure Ca and K weight fractions (WF) in the otolithic membrane of the saccule and utricle by scanning electron microscopy and electron probe X-ray analysis using the peak-to-background (P/B) ratio method. Microcrystalline salt standards were used to calibrate Ca and K K alpha P/B or Y = (P/B).Z2/A (Z = atomic number; A = atomic weight) against WF at 10, 15, 20 and 25 kV accelerating voltage. The effect of voltage on the calibration, plotting the coefficient of correlation (r) as a function of voltage, was not dependent on the voltage in the range 10-25 kV for Ca standards. K standards were also independent when P/B was corrected for Z2/A. Background counts in the otoconia (Bo) were obtained at 5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 s and used to test the electron beam sensitivity of saccular and utricular otoconia. Bo was not dependent on the spectra acquisition time, with the exception of Bo under K alpha K peak in the saccule at 10 kV. Ca and K WF were determined at 10, 15, 20 and 25 kV in the saccule and utricle, showing similar values regardless of the voltage used. This method of calibration offers several advantages, such as stability, homogeneity, known composition of the standards, high reproducibility at different voltages even without Z2/A correction and the similarity between the otoconia and crystal standards. We recommend the application of this method for other elements and biomineral systems.

Growth regulation of LLC-PK1 cells: lack of effect of Na(+)-loading

To gain more information about the growth regulation of renal epithelial cells, we examined the growth stimulatory effect of serum and intracellular sodium in the renal epithelial cell line, LLC-PK1. In subconfluent LLC-PK1 cells serum-starved for 5 days and exposed to [3H]thymidine for 24 h, 22.9% of the cells synthesized DNA. Stimulation with 10% foetal calf serum (FCS) caused an almost three-fold increase in the fraction of labelled nuclei (62.2%). Serum-starved LLC-PK1 cells exposed to 10% FCS responded with an increased abundance of c-jun transcripts. The maximal expression of the c-jun transcripts occurred at 60 min and declined 120 min after serum stimulation. It has been suggested that an increase in Na+ influx plays a role in the growth regulation of renal epithelial cells. This prompted us to study the effect of intracellular Na+ loading on the growth response of LLC-PK1 cells. Serum-starved LLC-PK1 cells were incubated in a low K+ medium or exposed to Nystatin. Incubation in a low K+ medium or with Nystatin resulted in a marked increase in intracellular Na after only 5 min. A low K+ medium did not significantly influence the intracellular pH. No effect was observed on DNA synthesis or the abundance of c-jun transcripts in LLC-PK1 cells. Nor did Na+ loading enhance the growth stimulatory effect of serum. The results suggest that an increase in intracellular sodium does not directly regulate the growth of renal epithelial cells.

Characteristic ionic composition of endolymph is maintained in cultured inner ear

Inner ear anlagen from mouse were explanted on the 16th gestational day (gd) and cultured for 5 days, i.e. corresponding to the time of birth. By using energy dispersive X-ray technique an elemental composition characteristic for endolymph was found within the membranous labyrinth of the explants. The sodium to potassium ratio in the endolymphatic space of the cultured inner ears corresponded to endolymph of the 16th gd fetus in vivo. There was no difference in the endolymph compartment between the cochlear and vestibular halves of the in vitro specimens. Differences in Na to K ratio between endolymph of the inner ears and the surrounding medium were statistically significant. Thus, endolymph-regulating mechanisms are active also under organ culture conditions, although not fully optimal.

The measurement of water distribution in frozen specimens

There are three techniques to measure local water fractions in the cryomicroscope. First, water content may be measured by a direct analysis of oxygen in bulk samples using a windowless detector. Secondly, mass thickness may be estimated in frozen-hydrated, then frozen-dried sections. This technique offers unrivalled spatial resolution, especially if the radiation dose in the frozen-hydrated state is kept low by the use of electron scattering techniques instead of an X-ray microanalytical background determination. External water content standards can be used instead of frozen-hydrated sections and the whole analysis can even be performed exclusively on frozen-dried sections at room temperature. Thirdly, local water fractions can be evaluated from X-ray microanalytical measurements of element concentrations per mass in the frozen-hydrated and frozen-dried state. Corrections necessary for the other techniques cancel out. However, the high radiation dose required for a fully quantitative analysis excludes the use of these methods in thin or ultrathin sections.

Standards for the application of X-ray microanalysis to biological specimens

A review on the subject of compounds used as standards for biological X-ray microanalysis is presented. The general approach used for standardization has been to use standards which resemble the specimen closely in composition. Thus, standards based on proteins have been used for analysis of quench-frozen cryosectioned specimens, whereas standards based on embedding resins have been used for resin-embedded material. The properties of, and problems associated with, each type of standard are recognized and have been well documented. The choice and analysis of biological material. Attention is drawn to the fact that the problems associated with any quantification procedure need to be kept in mind when analysis of standards is undertaken.

In situ elemental analysis and visualization in cryofixed nervous tissues. X-ray microanalytical investigations of embryological and mature brain, inner ear, photoreceptors, muscle and muscle spindles. Comparison of preparation methods for analysis and visualization at cellular and subcellular levels

For meaningful X-ray microanalysis (XRMA) in biology and medicine, the development of preparative and quantitative methods has been necessary. The methods need to preserve close to in vivo distribution of diffusible ions with at the same time reasonable morphological preservation of the tissue. Analyses at low and middle microanalytical resolution are useful at the initial stages of an investigation or when data from large populations of samples have to be acquired. Cryomicrotomy, which makes it possible for the single cells within semi-thin and thick cryosections examined by X-ray microanalysis to be further characterized histochemically (enzyme and substrate content), has been adopted for several pathophysiological studies. The method is particularly suitable for the analysis of complex morphological tissues with many cell types as in the brain or sensory organs of the internal ear. For microanalysis at the subcellular level, we developed a preparative procedure based on the frozen fixed preparation which is freeze-dried in vacuo at -80 degrees C and then at the same temperature, without breaking the vacuum, impregnated with a low-temperature Lowicryl-type resin. The resin is polymerized by u.v. light. This method prevents redistribution of the ions in the tissue and retains the antigenicity of the tissue. A considerable number of cells can be analysed simultaneously and the elemental composition in different cell compartments can be compared due to the similar analytical conditions within the section. An alternative to thin plastic sections of freeze-dried material is thin cryosections cut at -150 degrees C and analysed at low temperatures. Although some methodological problems still exist in preparation of cryosections, this type of section is potentially the most useful in analysis of diffusible ions, especially calcium which in most biological systems is present in very low concentrations. New preparative techniques for XRMA brought severe problems in visualization of the specimens prepared by cryomethods. Charging, low contrast, mass loss and contamination, which are often negligible in conventional electron microscopy, have still to be solved in XRMA of cryoprepared specimens. However, the methods of semi-thin and thick cryosectioning and low-temperature embedding were successfully used for analysis of cells and organelles and for the study of fluids in restricted biological spaces such as the inner ear, muscle spindles and ventricles of the brain in rats. Accordingly, examinations which were impossible by micropuncture and ion selective techniques could be carried out by XRMA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Quantitative X-ray microanalysis of biological specimens

Qualitative X-ray microanalysis of biological specimens requires an approach that is somewhat different from that used in the materials sciences. The first step is deconvolution and background subtraction on the obtained spectrum. The further treatment depends on the type of specimen: thin, thick, or semithick. For thin sections, the continuum method of quantitation is most often used, but it should be combined with an accurate correction for extraneous background. However, alternative methods to determine local mass should also be considered. In the analysis of biological bulk specimens, the ZAF-correction method appears to be less useful, primarily because of the uneven surface of biological specimens. The peak-to-local background model may be a more adequate method for thick specimens that are not mounted on a thick substrate. Quantitative X-ray microanalysis of biological specimens generally requires the use of standards that preferably should resemble the specimen in chemical and physical properties. Special problems in biological microanalysis include low count rates, specimen instability and mass loss, extraneous contributions to the spectrum, and preparative artifacts affecting quantitation. A relatively recent development in X-ray microanalysis of biological specimens is the quantitative determination of local water content.

Low temperature techniques for X-ray microanalysis in pathology: alternatives to cryoultramicrotomy

Many diseases are associated with a change in the distribution of diffusible ions at the cell or tissue level. These diseases can profitably be studied by X-ray microanalysis. This technique for the study of ion distribution requires the use of cryoprepared specimens. Analysis at low or medium resolution can be carried out on thick or semi-thick cryosections, or on frozen-hydrated or freeze-dried embedded bulk samples. Such analyses are particularly useful in the initial stages of an investigation or when data from a large number of samples have to be acquired. Also X-ray microanalysis of cultured or single cells prepared by freeze-drying can be used to rapidly collect information on a large number of cells. Analysis at high resolution has to be carried out on thin sections: Cryosections or sections of freeze-substituted or freeze-dried embedded tissue. For the latter type of specimens, the use of low-temperature embedding methods may have important advantages.

Microanalytic and light microscopic studies on the developing otic capsule

The structure of the middle layer of the bone of the otic capsule is histologically unique: it is of endochondral origin, has no Haversian canals and the ossification develops from several centres which fuse to form the hardest bone in the body. Our study has been concentrated on the development of the otic capsule in the CBA/CBA mouse, followed from the 13th gestational day to early postnatal age. In the 14th gestational day inner ear, a condensation of mesenchyme is detected around the membranous labyrinth. A cartilaginous capsule is present on the 15th-16th gestational day. Prior to birth, ossification centres occur close to the stapedial footplate. Serial cryosectioning of the newborn inner ear reveals very few regions containing high levels of calcium (microprobe analysis) although by light microscopy, several ossification centres can be identified.

Changes in elemental composition of human muscle fibres following surgery and immobilization. An X-ray microanalytical study

X-ray microanalysis of single muscle fibres visualized in the electron microscope has been applied to human muscle biopsies to quantify changes of intracellular elements after knee-surgery with subsequent immobilization for 6 weeks. An increase of intracellular chlorine (Cl; P less than 0.001) and of sodium (Na; P less than 0.1) concentrations were found 1 and 6 weeks post-surgery. Intracellular potassium (K), phosphorus and sulphur concentrations were not significantly changed. The increased Cl and Na concentrations may be an indication of a decreased activity of the ATPase-dependent Na/K-pump in the sarcolemma and/or of an increased sarcolemmal permeability for Na and Cl.

Elemental changes associated with chondrocyte differentiation in rat rib growth plate

Quantitative X-ray microanalysis was under-taken to follow the elemental changes that occur in the process of chondrocyte differentiation. For analysis at the cellular level, semi-thick freeze-dried cryosections of rat rib growth plate cartilage were used. For evaluation of the elemental concentrations at the subcellular level, thin sections of freeze-dried and low temperature vacuum embedded cartilage were analyzed. Levels of Na, P, S, Cl, K, and Ca were determined in the cells and extracellular matrix in different zones of the cartilage--resting, proliferative, and hypertrophic. Proliferative cells had a sodium concentration that was twice that of resting cells, suggesting that Na may play an important role in the regulation of DNA- and protein-synthesis in chondrocytes, A concomitant rise in Na and S concentration occurred between resting zone and proliferative zone cartilage matrix. The high concentrations of Na and K in the matrix are probably due to the high amount of sulfate in proteoglycans which may bind these cations.

Why low temperature embedding for X-ray microanalytical investigations? A comparison of recently used preparation methods

Freeze-drying followed by infiltration with resin and polymerization by UV light at low temperatures and under constant vacuum conditions is an alternative tissue preparation technique for microprobe analysis. Embedding is carried out with the nonpolar low-temperature embedding resin (Lowicryl HM20) which allows infiltration and polymerization at temperatures down to -50 degrees C. Sections of low temperature embedded material can be cut dry at -60 degrees C or at room temperature. Sectioning at low temperatures is an alternative for preparations that are difficult to cut at room temperature. The morphological preservation is adequate for the identification of structures such as mitochondria, lysosomes and different types of endoplasmic reticulum in liver cells. Some physical properties of Lowicryl resins, such as mass loss under the electron beam and high contrast, are positive characteristics for the analysis of semi-thick sections. No significant differences in the elemental composition could be detected between tissue which was freeze-dried or freeze-substituted prior to embedding. Freeze-drying is less time consuming. By avoiding contact with organic solvents the risks of ion loss and redistribution are diminished. In contrast to freeze-dried thin cryosections, low temperature embedded material can be sectioned for light microscopy and areas of interest chosen for further thin sectioning. This is of great importance in work with tissues with complicated morphology and heterogeneous cell populations. The initial preparative step--the cryofixation--determines to a high degree the morphological preservation of freeze-dried and embedded tissue.

X-ray microanalysis of psoriatic skin

Electron probe x-ray microanalysis was used to study elemental distribution in uninvolved and involved skin from patients with psoriasis, and in skin from healthy controls. Significant differences were found between the involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin. In the involved skin, the concentrations of Mg, P, and K were higher in the stratum germinativum, spinosum, and granulosum, compared to the corresponding strata in uninvolved skin. Neither involved nor uninvolved psoriatic stratum germinativum differed markedly from nonpsoriatic control stratum germinativum. In uninvolved psoriatic skin only a lower level of K was noted. In comparison to uninvolved psoriatic skin, the elemental composition of the various strata of involved psoriatic skin shows a pattern typical for highly proliferative, nonneoplastic cells.

Effect of chronic treatment with cystic fibrosis fibroblast medium on rat submandibular gland acinar cells

The effect of chronic treatment with cystic fibrosis (CF) fibroblast medium on rat submandibular gland and pancreas was investigated. Rats were injected for 8 days with conditioned medium from normal or CF fibroblasts. The elemental content of the acinar cells was measured by X-ray microanalysis of cryosections. A significant increase in cellular calcium, and a decrease in cellular sodium concentrations were found after treatment with CF medium. The ultrastructure of the submandibular acinar cells was not affected by the conditioned CF fibroblast culture medium. No effect of treatment with CF medium on ultrastructure and elemental content of pancreatic acinar cells could be demonstrated. The response to alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, cholinergic, and peptidergic stimulation in submandibular gland acinar cells of rats injected with normal or CF medium was investigated in vitro. With regard to changes in elemental composition after stimulation, no significant differences in response between the two groups could be found. Apparently, a factor in conditioned medium from cultured CF fibroblasts induces a net increase in calcium content of rat submandibular gland acinar cells. Possibly, this factor acts in a similar way in CF patients and may cause elevated calcium levels in CF cells.

X-ray microanalysis of resting and stimulated rat pancreas

The elemental distribution in acinar cells of rat pancreas was investigated by X-ray microanalysis of thin, freeze-dried cryosections. In the resting cell, the highest calcium concentrations were found in the basal part of the cell (including the endoplasmic reticulum) and in the zymogen granules. Mitochondrial calcium concentrations were low. Zymogen granules were rich in sulphur, but low in phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Stimulation of the pancreas by perfusion in vivo with the cholinergic agonist carbachol caused a significant decrease of the calcium concentration in the basal part of the cell and an increase in the calcium concentration in the apical part of the cell. The mitochondrial calcium concentration was not significantly altered. In addition, increased sodium and decreased potassium concentrations, giving rise to a significant increase in Na/K ratio were observed in all cell compartments measured, except in the zymogen granules.

Quantitative correlative proton and electron microprobe analysis of biological specimens

To investigate the possibility of quantitative correlative proton microprobe (PMP) and electron microprobe (EMP) analysis of biological soft tissue, model specimens were analyzed by both techniques. The specimens consisted of freeze-dried sections of gelatin containing known concentrations of nickel chloride. Both for PMP and for EMP, the signal was expressed as the ratio of the characteristic intensity and the continuum intensity in a peak-free region of the spectrum. With both techniques, calibration curves (signal versus known concentration) obtained, showed a deviation from linearity at high nickel concentrations. However, a linear relation (correlation coefficient 0.996) was obtained in a plot of EMP signal versus PMP signal. This indicates that quantitative correlative PMP and EMP analysis can be carried out by using the same standard for both analytical techniques.

Elemental composition of individual cells and tissues in the cochlea

Localization of elements at the cellular and sub-cellular levels was performed with the energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis technique, using shock-frozen, freeze-dried and araldite-embedded mouse (CBA/CBA) cochleae sectioned dry. Anatomical identification occurred in the STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) mode. In inner hair cell stereocilia the K/Na ratio was 70:1 but only 20:1 in the cytoplasm. In outer hair cell cytoplasm the K/Na ratio was 11:1 while the ratio in stereocilia was similar to that in inner hair cells. Ca was identified in stereocilia and the upper part of the cytoplasm of both outer and inner hair cells. The elemental composition in the subtectorial space is endolymph-like and that in the inner tunnel of the organ of Corti is similar to extracellular fluid. Considerable regional differences in elemental composition occur in the tectorial membrane with regard to P, K and Ca. The highest concentration of Ca occurs in the basal part of the tectorial membrane towards the sensory hairs. The highest concentration of K occurs in the basal and outer parts whereas the middle part of the tectorial membrane contains low levels of both K and Ca. The elemental composition changes in two main directions: 1) from the limbal (growing) region to the tip of the tectorial membrane, and, 2) from upper to lower surfaces. The three cell types of the stria vascularis differ considerably in elemental composition. The highest concentration of K occurs in marginal cells. The basal cells contain more K than do the intermediate cells. A significantly higher concentration of Ca, Cl and Na occurs in marginal cell cytoplasm than in any other cell type in the stria vascularis.

Freeze drying and freeze substitution combined with low temperature-embedding. Preparation techniques for microprobe analysis of biological soft tissues

An X-ray microanalytical and morphological investigation was carried out on rapidly frozen freeze-dried or freeze-substituted tissues. A comparison was made between different embedding and polymerisation procedures following freeze substitution and freeze drying. The investigation also included an analysis of specimens which had been infiltrated, embedded and polymerised by ultraviolet irradiation at low temperatures with Lowicryl-HM20. The method of freeze drying, followed by embedding and polymerisation at low temperatures in vacuo was found to give satisfactory results, comparable with more tedious and hazardous freeze substitution technique.